Barcelona’s legacy and Looming Uncertainty

• A Storied Past: The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has been a staple for teams, providing countless hours of testing on its 14 corners.
• Infrastructure Concerns: Formula 1’s governing body has sought increased investment in infrastructure and traffic management, but these requests have reportedly gone unheeded in Barcelona.
• Madrid’s Entry: Madrid has secured a deal to host a street circuit race,dubbed the ‘Madring,’ signaling a potential shift in the Spanish Grand Prix landscape.

Madrid’s Grand ambitions

Madrid’s return to the Formula 1 calendar marks a important moment, with the last race held ther in 1981. The new circuit has a contract until 2035, slated to begin next year, which overlaps with Barcelona’s existing agreement.

The likelihood of both cities hosting a Grand Prix in the same year is slim, given the crowded Formula 1 schedule.

Drivers Weigh In: Loyalty to Barcelona

Despite the impending changes, prominent drivers express a desire to maintain Barcelona’s presence on the Formula 1 calendar.

Fernando Alonso,a two-time Formula 1 world champion and two-time winner of his home race,voiced his support for Barcelona:

I don’t think that we will lose Barcelona.So that’s my opinion and my wish as well.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Driver

Alonso emphasized the importance of preserving conventional circuits:

I think it’s good to have new venues. It’s good to have new countries as well that Formula 1 has moved to in the last decade. but at the same time, we need to keep some traditional circuits where the history of formula 1 has been written and made.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Driver

He highlighted Barcelona’s deep connection to Formula 1, noting its role as a testing ground for teams and the recent upgrades to the circuit’s facilities.

I think Formula 1 and Barcelona are very linked. we’ve been testing here for decades… I think the circuit has made some changes to make it up to Formula 1 standards… Barcelona has been here for the last two or three decades, and Barcelona will be here for the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years.
Fernando Alonso,Aston Martin Driver

Max Verstappen,the reigning world champion,echoed Alonso’s sentiments,acknowledging the potential loss to Formula 1 if Barcelona were to disappear from the calendar.

I think for F1 in general, it would be a bit of a loss, of course, if this track goes. Especially, I think, for the drivers. But I think even the fan experience is nice.
Max Verstappen, Reigning World Champion

The ‘Madring’ Circuit: A New Era for Spanish Racing

Organizers have detailed the layout of the 5.4-kilometer,22-turn ‘Madring’ circuit,set to host the Spanish grand Prix over 57 laps starting in 2026.

Carlos Sainz, a Madrid native and ambassador for the new race, expressed his enthusiasm:

I’m the ambassador – they made me ambassador for the grand Prix, and I’m going to try to support the circuit, the community, and make it the best it can be… I beleive it’s going to be a success.
Carlos Sainz, Formula 1 Driver

Sainz believes Madrid has the potential to be a premier Formula 1 destination.